St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1887-07-07
JIM POULDER's MISTAKE.
Neac York Independent.


it was also blown out, with the excep-
ton of portion which stopped to rest
on the clothes of the passengers, or
burIOwed for its own safety in their
eras and nOstrils. There were only
two vacant seats in the car, and at
Pankehap station two persons came
in to fill them. One of these was an
old man-On a second look, he was
probably not over 5O-with iron gray
hair, partly covered by a slOuched felt
hat, and clad in a new suit of gray stuff
that seemed to have been made for
some one else. With him was young
and very pretty girl, whose dress was
of ordinary stuff, but we'll fitting, and
who was well gloved and well shOd.
The observer would set down the
two for a we'll to do farmer and his
daughter, who were travelling for
business or pleasure. The man looked
around. The two vacant seats were
on opposite sides of the car. In one
of them sat young, well dressed and
apparently self satisfied gentleman,
and the space by his side was occupied
by a handbag of crocodile leather and
a spring OvercOat. In the other was
another young man, not quite so ex-
clad, and not as handsome as the first,
though he had an open and intelligent
cOuntenance. The farmer looked
around, and, motioning his daughter
to the vacant seat, said "There's a
place for you, Lucy" Then, turning
to the young man with the satchel, he
asked "Seat engaged ]"
The young man looked up, curled
l.. IN
to fill it'll be here presently, l dare
say"
"Ah !" said the farmer, coolly re-
moving the gripsack and overcOat, and
placing them on the young mans lap ;
"then I'll occupy it until he comes"
And he seated himself accordingly,
while the young man glared at him.
The one on the other side looked
amused and then, rising, said "YOu
had better exchange seats with me, sir,
and then the young lady and yourself
will be together"
"Thank YOU" was the farmers re-
ply; and the exchange was quietly eff
fected.
The two young men were evidently
acquainted for the courteous one said
to the other, in a low voice: "Jim
POulder, you made a mistake there"
81 never make mistakes, Frank Boil
ing" replied the other. 81 dare say
you'll make your fortune some of these
days by being polite to the granger
population but my fortune is already
made"
The first speaker said nothing more,
but drawing a newspaper from his
pocket, opened it and ran his eye over
its columns.
POulder yawned little, and at last
said: "This is too dull for yours faith
fully, James POulder. I'll go into the
smoking car and take a Whit. Have
a snifter 2" he inquired, producing a
poke flask.
"NO, thank yOu," replied Boiling.
"That stuff is rather too fiery for me-"
"Here goes alone, then. That's as
fine brandy as ever crossed the ocean.
Dayday! Keep an eye to my traps,
will you, and don't give up my seat to
every country yoke who asks for it,"
The elegant young gentleman shook
himself and made his way forward to
the car especially provided for fumi-
CATION.
When he had gone, the old man
leaned over the arm of his seat and ad
dressed Boiling.
excuse me, sir, but didn't your
friend who has just left say that his
name was James POulder 7"
"That's his name sir" replied the
young man "but he is not exactly a
friend of mine, though we live in the
same place, and | know him very
WE'LL"
"May l inquire where he is from 2"
eyes. sir: Careysburpn
"SOn of Peter b. POulder, the great
pork packer there, isn't he 2"
eyes, sir"
ellis father should deal with him.
1t would be quite in his line"
"Oh, papan said sweet, reproach-
full voice, as those near who heard the
cOllOquy Uttered.
at is a fact Lucy" rejoined the
farmer.
The old man, who was evidently in
telligent, entered into a general con-
versatiOn with the younger, and soon
showed that he was quite we'll inform
ed. Boiling was glad of a conference
so entertaining, especially, as, when
his eyes were bent in that direction, he
saw that the young lady was an inter
ested, and he hoped, pleased listener.
There was something very sweet in
the expression of her CONFERENCE.-The
unmistakable impress of mOdesty and
innocence on her features. They chat
ted away, and the elder, so dexterous-
ly that the younger never perceived it,
drew out of the other his position,
prospects and intentions.
Boiling was frank by nature, and
the questions of his interlocutor, who
was as ingenious as the other was in
genuOus, were craftily put. The sharp
granger soon learned Frank Boiling
had been engaged for some time in
the study of law, but that his father,
having met with reverses, and having
two younger daughters to educate, the
young man determined to make his
burden less and set out to support
himself, abandoning his law studies
and taking a situation as salesman at
country store in Griffton, thriving
town about five miles from the main
line.
81 get but a beggarly pay, of course"
said Frank, gayly. 81 am only a raw
hand, but l have the promise that
when l am better qualified, my wages
shall be increased"
"YOu are rather singular person."
said the farmer bluffly. "MOst young
men would have talked of their sala-
ry."
al rather prefer the old style of En-
glish," said Boiling. 81 am to be
hireling and the compensation of a
hireling is called wages. But wages
or salary-the terms are Indifferent to
me-"
"My place is within mile of Griff-
ton," said the old man. 81 have a no.
ton that l knew your father once.
Wasn't he at Harvard, in his time 7"
eyes sir and so WAS We are